Manager Pep Guardiola revealed on Friday after the Norwegian striker recovered from an ankle injury that kept him sidelined for almost six weeks: Manchester City striker Erling Haaland is in contention to start against Southampton this weekend.
Haaland, with 21 goals in the Premier League, was a contender for the Golden Boot title but has dropped to third behind Newcastle United’s Alexander Isak (23) and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (28).
With three games remaining, city ranks third in the standings with three points behind second-placed Arsenal and one point above Newcastle.
“(Haaland) is in good shape and ready. If he starts, we decide (on Saturday),” Guardiola informed reporters.
Still Rodri is not readily available. Though still not available, Oscar (Bobb) and Nathan (Ake) began training with us.”
With 11 points and just two victories all season, Southampton ranks lowest on the standings.
But the already demoted south-coast teams have nothing to lose, so Guardiola is not treating them lightly as he tries to guarantee a Champions League place with Chelsea, Nottingham Forest, and Aston Villa all in the mix.
“We start 0-0 and for us this is a really crucial game. Three games remained. Great respect for them,” he remarked.
Having won four straight games, City said: “It’s the best results we’ve received in a row on City’s present form. Early in the season, we did it. Regarding today, we are better able.
“Your goal when you’re not champions is to be qualified for the Champions League season following next. We shall be there if we win three times. We have it in our hands.
